BREAKING: Reds fans’ fears become reality after top prospect suffers spring training setback

Pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear on Monday, but by Tuesday, the Reds were already dealing with an injury setback. Top pitching prospect Rhett Lowder is experiencing elbow soreness, though an MRI revealed no structural damage—providing some relief for now.

Lowder was expected to compete for a spot on the Reds’ Opening Day roster, but this setback will temporarily limit his throwing program. According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Lowder anticipates resuming throwing later this week.

While there’s still a chance he could ramp up in time to pitch in a Cactus League game before camp breaks, teams tend to be extremely cautious with these types of injuries. A delayed timetable wouldn’t be surprising.

Reds prospect Rhett Lowder suffers spring training setback

Last season, Rhett Lowder made a strong impression in September. His call-up was unexpected, but the rookie excelled with a remarkable 1.17 ERA in six starts, striking out 22 batters over 30 2/3 innings.

However, the Reds are already dealing with injuries as they head into spring training. Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar, both of whom underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 due to elbow injuries, will not return to the mound this season.

This is the last thing Reds fans wanted to hear so early in spring training. Injuries are part of the game, but Reds fans have been all too familiar with this reality. Last season, Williamson, Aguiar, Graham Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Tejay Antone all spent time on the IL, with every player but Greene finishing the year there.

Despite Lowder’s setback, the Reds have a deep pool of pitchers competing for spots in the rotation, so it’s not a crippling blow. However, it does cast a shadow over a spring filled with hope. Lowder’s limited pitching schedule will give non-roster invitees like Chase Burns, Chase Petty, and Jose Acuña an early opportunity to make an impression, but for now, that’s little consolation for Reds fans.